Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and Newt

12/15/11 9:55 PM EST

Newt Gingrich compared himself to some of the country’s greatest presidents at the GOP debate in Sioux City, as he rebuffed criticism of his proposal to impeach anti-American judges and abolish the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

“Just like Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and FDR, I would be prepared to take on the judiciary,” Gingrich said.

Citing Lincoln’s criticism of the Dred Scott decision, Gingrich said he had no time for legal experts – including former U.S. attorneys general – who argue his plan would undermine the separation of powers.

“I would suggest to you, actually, as a historian I may understand this better than lawyers,” Gingrich said, adding that law schools have “over-empowered lawyers to think that they can dictate to the rest of us.”